Abstract: An apparatus for diverting and delivering sheets in which the sheets are positively controlled throughout the entire operation. Initially, a continuous web of paper passes between opposing cylinders comprising a rotary cutter. The lead edge of the web is then engaged by a pair of opposed nip rollers. Once held by these nip rollers, the rotary knife cuts a separate sheet from the front of the continuous web. The separate sheet then passes between and is accelerated by the nip rollers whereupon a dual set of diverting cams, in combination with a pair of conveyors, directs the sheet to one of two delivery systems. The next subsequent sheet is directed to the other delivery system so that each successive sheet is alternately diverted between the two delivery systems. Upon exiting either delivery system, the sheet is subjected to a snubbing means which decelerates the sheet and further allows the next subsequent sheet to overlap the previous sheet before being similarly decelerated.

Abstract: In an exemplary wand type bar code scanner the scanner circuit includes a first control loop for reducing the LED driving current as the D.C. voltage level supplied to the digitizer tends to exceed a selected D.C. reference value; a second control loop becomes active when the LED is shut off by the first control loop, e.g. in the presence of sunlight. The second control loop controls the gain of the scanner amplifier so that the D.C. reference level at the input to the digitizer circuit is maintained as the scanner scans bar codes in the presence of sunlight but with the LED de-energized.

Abstract: A process for producing an information carrier containing recorded audio and/or video information wherein a web of a thermoplastic material is extruded onto the patterned surface of a metal master and pressure is applied to force said thermoplastic material into contact with the metal master. The thermoplastic material is cooled to a temperature below its softening point to form an imaged thermoplastic web which is separated from the metal master. Then a thin film of metal particles is deposited on the imaged surface of the thermoplastic web and said metallized thermoplastic web is laminated with a substrate carrying an uncured coating of a radiation curable resin. The resin is cured and individual information carriers are separated from the web of information carrying laminate. A center hole is placed in the separated individual information carriers, when appropriate.

Abstract: An ecologically acceptable process is provided for the production of a chip resistant coating finishes by application of a chip resistant intermediate coating layer said coating comprising an aqueous based composition containing from 30 to 60% by weight carboxyl-containing polyesters or (meth)acrylates and copolymers thereof with vinyl compounds having an average acid value of 30 to 100 mg KOH/g and an average OH value of 50 to 250 mg KOH/g, neutralized with nitrogen bases, 5 to 25% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible, blocked isocyanate prepolymer, 15 to 30% by weight water and @0 to 50% by weight pigments, fillers and/or auxililaries and additives, wet-in-wet overcoating with an aqueous filler, common stoving and painting with an aqueous based finishing paint.The chip resistant coatings are aqueous (water) based and essentially free of ecologically contaminating volatile organic solvents.

Abstract: A variable gain amplifier system with a temperature stabilized exponential control signal input and wide range amplifier.

Abstract: A child-resistant safety device for attachment to firearms having a barrel with a muzzle and a cocking mechanism such as a hammer, for temporarily rendering the firearm inoperative, but which may be quickly removed by an adult to enable the firearm to be operated. The device comprises a block adapted to lie against the muzzle of the gun, and a strap having a first portion adapted to extend behind the cocking mechanism of the gun and a second portion adapted to extend from the first portion to the block. Fasteners extend through the block into engagement with the strap to hold it firmly behind the hammer, and a releasable cap is secured on the block through interengaged detents to prevent removal of the cap from the block. A pin carried by the cap extends through the block and into the muzzle of the gun to prevent removal of the cap and block from the muzzle of the gun, and thus prevent removal of the strap from the cocking mechanism.

Abstract: A superconductive voltage stabilizer comprises an AC/DC converter, a voltage regulator, an energy storage cell and a superconducting energy storage coil. Alternating current is converted to direct current and stored in a superconducting coil. The stored direct current is selectively delivered to an energy storage cell to satisfy the energy requirements of a load. A voltage regulator senses the energy drawn from the energy storage cell and when appropriate releases stored energy from the superconducting coil to maintain a constant supply of energy to the load.

Abstract: A document feeder includes a feed tray which is pivotal about a horizontal axis between an elevated automatic position in which it can be locked and in which the uppermost document of a stack of documents thereon is engaged with an endless belt skimmer to be fed from the stack, and a lowered manual position away from the skimmer for manual feed of a single document. A reverse feed roller is movable with the feed tray and is operative in the automatic position to inhibit feed of documents other than the uppermost document of a stack.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for attaching a sign element to a base with a frameless magnetically attractive support system.

Abstract: A multi-mode, adaptable, implantable pacemaker is described including a microprocessor and memory programmed or capable of being programmed with a variety of processes for stimulating the patient's heart and/or for sensing and transmitting to a device external of the patient's body, various conditions of or activities of the patient's heart, or conditions of the pacemaker itself. The pacemaker includes a multiplexer by which a variety of analog and digital inputs are accessed under the control of the microprocessor and operated upon by the processes stored in the memory and executed by the microprocessor. The output of the pacemaker comprises a plurality of latch drivers and switches, which are selectively operable to apply stimulation to the patient's heart, as well as to sense signals indicative of the patient's heart activity as well as other internal conditions. The pacemaker is capable of transmitting these signals via a link such as an RF or acoustical link to an external monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: A process for continuously converting starch to paste by heating an aqueous starch slurry with an enzyme to an elevated temperature and holding the mixture at an elevated temperature for a time to gelatinize the starch granules and produce a starch paste of desired viscosity. Then, the starch-enzyme stream is further heated and held at an elevated temperature and for a time sufficient to inactivate the enzyme and after which a starch paste having a desired and substantially stable viscosity is recovered.Preferred apparatus of the invention includes a single, compact, continuous processing unit which minimizes the required equipment and includes a starch conversion conduit adapted for conveying an admixed stream of an aqueous starch slurry and a liquid stream containing an enzyme. Inlet lines for introducing an aqueous starch slurry and a liquid stream containing an enzyme capable of depolymerizing starch into said starch conversion conduit are provided.

Abstract: An unloader for bulk materials is provided to transfer material such as cement from a barge or other bulk container. It includes a moveable and rotatable support member such as a crane or cantilevered arm that is adjacent the bulk container. A first conveyor or auger is connected to the support for pivotal movement and extends generally horizontally. A second conveyor or auger is connected to the distal end of the first conveyor for pivotal movement and is generally vertically oriented. A feeder unit is connected to the distal end of the second conveyor for universal and rotational movement. The feeder includes an uplift portion communicating with the second conveyor, the uplift portion advancing the bulk material at a rate slower than the second conveyor, and a collector portion communicating with the uplift portion. The collector portion includes converging auger assembly to advance the bulk material towards the uplift portion and to assist in transferring it into the uplift portion.

Abstract: A dual-mode semi-trailer having over-the-road or highway running gear with rubber tired wheels in which a demountable flanged rail wheel bogie is employed, the body being supported upon said highway running gear during over-the-road travel by air-springs and being supported upon said rail wheel bogie during travel over railroad tracks, a mechanism being provided to selectively raise and lower said highway running gear for selective use in the railroad mode or highway mode of travel, another mechanism also being provided to attach or detach said rail wheel bogie from said body for operation in the rail or highway mode of travel, the semi-trailers bodies being coupleable end-to-end to form a train of multiple semi-trailers in the railroad mode of travel.

Abstract: A supported floor for use in a grain storage and/or drying bin is disclosed that is constructed of interlocking perforated flooring or panels of two designs each with a plank portion and subjacent flanges which alternate with each other. The first panel design has flanges which are outwardly turned to form a hat-shaped transverse cross section. The second panel design has channels which are inwardly turned resulting in a C-shaped transverse cross section. To assemble the supported floor, the hat-shaped panels are rested on supports which are arranged on the base of the bin in a predetermined manner. These supported hat-shaped panels are positioned in spaced relation to one another so that a C-shaped panel can be fit between each adjacent pair of the hat-shaped panels. Thereafter, the C-chaped panels are positioned in the respective spaces and interlocked with the hat-shaped panels. To gain access to the bin floor, any of the C-shaped floor panels can be lifted without affecting the hat-shaped panels.